Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-06-25

inlnd telling you about 1t, Zerubbabel, my
| dear boy, for you're not in the same swim,
so it doesn't matter Have you heard of
young Megilp's Academy picture?"
Zerubbabel shook his head, but leaned
forward eagerly, with bis cunning eyes
fixed on MIR. Lewis flushed countenance.
Splendid thing-safe to make sensa-
ton. mean to get hold of it cheap, If
can; and as he's only young fellow, and
apparently hard up, the chances are l
shall"
Think the picture really worth hay
ing p said Ierubbabel, with depreciatorY
shrug.
Not doub. of it. You see it is an at
tractive subject, and one that is sure to
take the public. They don't like him on
grand historical pictures. They prefer
something pretty and pastoral, and that
sort of thing. Bet you what you like that
Megilps picture will be hung on the line
At all events, I'm going round to his studio
IN few days to make him an offer for il.
Mr.. Zerubbabel smiled and rubbed his
hands complacently. He had learned
something that might be useful to him.
He didn't get rid of Mr.. Levi until late
in the afternoon, consequently it was nearly
seven o'clock before he emerged from his
shop and stopped a passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a- brac
dealer was set down close 10 the Meglips
door. The servant who answered the bell
told him that Mr.. Megilp was dining out
that evening, and asked if he would see her
mistress.
Thinking lady would be an easier
customer to deal with, Mr.. Zerubbabel said
that he would like to speak to Mrs. Megilp
for few minutes. Accordingly he was
ushered into the drawing room, where that
lady shortly joined him.
You've called to see my husband-about
the-the bill of sale" the little woman be-
gan in a frightened tone
We'll, yes, ma am, in way have but
| should like to see the picture be offered
me rhis morning"
THE Academy picture?" suggested Mrs
Megilp, her face Frightening; " am so
sorry bat my husband generally locks up
his studio when he goes out Can't you
call another day and see it?"
"0h, yes" answered Mr.. Zerubbabel
amiably; 'but as / am here, may as well
tell you of the offer am willing to make"
Mrs. Megilps pretty face beamed with
JOY at the idea of arranging matters with
the money-lender. 1t would be such de-
lightful surprise for Michael Angelo when
he came home to find that that tiresome
business of the bill of sale had been
brought to satisfactory conclusion during
his absence.
Mr.. Megilp wants to get back his bill of
sale on this furniture ?' began Mr. Zerub-
babel, with circular sweep of the hands
towards the contents of the room.
yves" breathed poor Madge with a
shiver, for she thought that the odious man
looked as if be would like to carry off her
household gods there and then. All the
brightness went out of her face, and she
grew quite pale.
We'll, of course my expenses in con-
nection with this bill have been heavy
very heavy, and my loss, if let it be paid
off at once, will be great-very great; in
fact, fl00 will barely put me straight, said
Mr.. Zerubbabel in business-like Tone
=" That added to the goo Mr.. Megilp bor-
rowed of me last year makes $780, Now,
I'll make him this offer: I'll give him
check for f25, and send him back the bill
of sale in consideration of his Academy
picture-the big one, mind, 1 mean-be-
coming my property"
THE picture has been valued at $500
put in Mrs. Megilp timidly.
"0h, has it? BY you and Mr.. Megilp, /
suppose Well, l amt going to give that
What | have offered is as good as f325-an
uncommonly high price, let me tell you,
ma am, for picture by an unknown art
list"
Every one says that my husband is one
of the rising artists of the day." exclaimed
Mrs. Megilp, firing up.
oh, they all are retorted Mr.. Zerub-
babel, rising. Still, you had better think
over my offer, and tell Mr.. Megilp what /
have said. I'll call around in day or two
to see the picture, when you can let me
have definite answer"
After Mr.. Zerubbabel took up his hat and
bowed and grinned himself out, leaving the
indignant little woman to think over mat
tiers in general, and the matter of the bill
of sale in particular.
When Michael Angelo came in she told
him of the Jews visit and the proposition
he had made.
He has changed his mind pretty quick
ly," remarked Megilp. This morning he
would have nothing to say to my proposal.
Besides, f25 is very little to get in hard
days before | decide. Carper promised to
speak good word for me to a dealer he
knows"
A day or two afterwards Mr.. Abiram
Levi presented himself at Meglips studio,
and found the artist putting few final
| touches to "Chloe Counting her Chickens y
He surveyed the picture attentively for
some minutes, and then turning to Michael
Angelo, he blandly offered him f100 for it.
why, I've had the offer of as good as
1925 for it already" exclaimed the artist
Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked UP mis- ears.
"Hullol somebody has got the start of
me-" he thought ruefully. Who the
deuce can it be p
well, don't mind giving you fl50 for
it-and perhaps you've something else it
may suit me to buy" he said with a
glance round the studio. Whats this 2"
he added, going up to large picture, very
| handsomely framed but turned with its
face 10 the wall.
"A picture ! sent in to Burlington
| House last year, but it wasn't accepted, -
stammered Michael Angelo.
Humph / don't wonder What's the
name of it?n went on the dealer, reading
| the legend inscribed on the frame. Mar
garet Mending Her Stockings Z" No. that
won't suit me. It's big, ugly thing, and
shockingly raw. You've done better work
| since"
All of which is sold, interrupted Me-
| Clip, in huffed tone, q except this little
| thing, Sour Grapes'
| But again the dealer shook his head and
took bis stand before the easel on which
stood Chloe
"TH give you 1900 for it, he said at
last.
! MlCudel- Anglo EeSltateQ. lie would
| rather Levi had the picture than Zerub-
babel, but it seemed hard that he should
make no present profit out of this-his
best work. Every penny of the $500 would
| be swallowed up in getting clear of that
unfortunate bill of sale.
"Giye me a week to think it over he
said at last, turning abruptly round to the
| dealer.
In doing so he caught his foot in the
support of the easel, and the picture fell
heavily to the ground.
a" Good God, what have you done ~ cried
Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael Angelo was too
| frightened TO speak. Together they picked
up the picture Fortunately the canvas
was rot damaged. but large corner of the
frame was ohipped off.
That's soon remedied,n said Mr. Levi
"a new frame won't cost much. But, Mr.
Megilp, hope you'll think over my offer
ii may lead TO further business, you know,
he added amiably. And he left the artist
standing with rather a rueful air, before
his cherished picture.
What has happened, Angy? 1 heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Levi offered
you? Oh, what a pity the beautiful
frame, said Mrs. Meglip. bursting into the
studio. But without waiting for answers
to her questions, she went on, I've just
! had a letter from Amt lane and she wants